XO, Kitty Season 2 Review: Heartbreak, Heritage, and a Whole Lotta K-Drama

Back to KISS: Kitty’s Korean Adventures Continue

Kitty Song Covey returns to Korea in XO, Kitty season 2, and her quest for love and self-discovery becomes even more complicated. This season dives deeper into Korean culture, family secrets, and the tangled web of relationships at the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS). Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, K-drama-worthy moments, and some surprising twists. Peter Kavinsky even makes a cameo!

A Second Semester of Secrets and Surprises

Kitty’s love life is far from simple. Min Ho is still around, and their dynamic is as fiery as ever. Her friendship with Yuri evolves, leading to some heart-fluttering moments. Dae’s return adds another layer of complexity, and a new love interest throws everything into delightful chaos. Amidst the romantic whirlwind, the mystery surrounding Kitty’s mother’s past unfolds, revealing shocking family secrets that deepen Kitty’s journey of self-discovery.

Strengths and Weaknesses: A Balanced Look

What Worked Well:

• Anna Cathcart shines as Kitty: Her portrayal of a lovestruck teen navigating complex emotions is both charming and relatable.
• K-Drama Immersion: The show beautifully captures the vibrant energy of Seoul, from its bustling streets to its charming cafes.
• Emotional Depth: The family secrets and cultural exploration add layers of meaning to the narrative.
• Peter Kavinsky’s Cameo: A sweet nod to To All the Boys fans.

Areas for Improvement:

• Character Development: With such a large cast, some characters feel underdeveloped.
• Pacing: The plot can feel rushed at times, sacrificing character development for dramatic twists.

Unpacking the Drama: Characters and Relationships

Kitty’s journey of self-discovery takes center stage, as she grapples with her feelings for Min Ho, Yuri, Dae, and a new potential love interest, Praveena. Min Ho’s relationship with Stella adds another layer of complexity to his feelings for Kitty. Yuri’s internal conflict between her relationship with Juliana and her lingering feelings for Kitty reaches a boiling point with a surprising kiss. The addition of new students like Stella, who harbors a secret about Min Ho’s family, creates more drama and intrigue.

Beyond Romance: A Deeper Dive

XO, Kitty season 2 isn’t just about teenage romance. It delves into themes of cultural identity, family secrets, and self-acceptance. The exploration of Kitty’s bisexuality adds a refreshing layer of honesty to the teen drama landscape. The show’s portrayal of Korean culture goes beyond surface-level stereotypes, offering glimpses into family dynamics, societal expectations, and the balance between tradition and modernity.

The Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?

Despite some minor shortcomings, XO, Kitty season 2 is a highly recommended binge-watch for fans of teen romance and K-dramas. It delivers heartwarming moments, emotional resonance, and a healthy dose of escapism. The show embraces familiar tropes while offering insightful explorations of identity, family, and love.

4 out of 5 stars.

XO, Kitty season 2 is streaming now on Netflix with eight episodes.

What Makes This Season Stand Out?

Season 2 sees Kitty confronting uncomfortable truths about herself and her desires. Her love life evolves from a simple triangle into a more complex web of emotions, forcing her to grapple with what she truly wants. The show also delves deeper into her family history, revealing secrets that challenge her understanding of her mother and herself. New characters arrive at KISS, shaking things up and adding fuel to the drama. Kitty’s journey of self-discovery, including her exploration of her bisexuality, adds depth and nuance to the narrative.

Bridging Cultures: East Meets West

XO, Kitty season 2 immerses viewers in Korean culture, showcasing not just the trendy aspects but also the everyday rhythms of life, family traditions, and societal pressures. Kitty’s cross-cultural relationships highlight the challenges and rewards of navigating different perspectives on love and commitment. The show’s diverse cast allows for richer portrayals of East Asian characters, sparking conversations about cultural understanding and acceptance. While the show may not perfectly represent every facet of East Asian culture, it encourages critical thinking about cultural biases and promotes cross-cultural connection.

Character Arcs and Evolving Relationships

Kitty’s romantic journey becomes more intricate, with shifting feelings for multiple characters. Min Ho’s lingering feelings for Kitty clash with his new relationship with Stella. Yuri’s internal conflict intensifies as she explores her feelings for Kitty while navigating a relationship with Juliana. The introduction of Praveena offers Kitty a chance to explore a different type of connection. These complex character arcs and relationship dynamics add depth and intrigue to the season.

Character	Season 1 Focus	Season 2 Focus
Kitty	Primarily focused on Dae	Exploring feelings for multiple characters, including Min Ho, Yuri, and Praveena, while uncovering family secrets
Min Ho	Showing initial interest in Kitty	Dating Stella while grappling with unresolved feelings for Kitty
Yuri	Concealing feelings for Kitty	Navigating a relationship with Juliana while exploring hidden feelings for Kitty
Dae	Openly expressing interest in Kitty	Maintaining interest in Kitty despite her exploring other connections
Praveena	Not present	Introduced as a new love interest for Kitty, offering a different dynamic
Stella	Not present	Introduced as Min Ho’s girlfriend, with a hidden agenda related to his family

While XO, Kitty season 2 embraces familiar romantic tropes, it also explores complex themes with surprising depth and nuance. The diverse perspectives and cultural exploration enhance the narrative, creating a compelling and engaging viewing experience. The show acknowledges the complexities and uncertainties of relationships, suggesting that viewers’ interpretations may be influenced by their own experiences and cultural backgrounds.